Walking is a recommended exercise, especially for people with arthritis. It’s a low-impact workout and helps to keep the joints flexible and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. If your aging parents are suffering from arthritis, encourage them to make walking a part of their daily routine.
We have gathered 5 tips on how you can get your parents ready for the journey to ease the problems that come with arthritis.
Every Step Counts
Your parents’ walking routine doesn’t have to require them to walk around the neighborhood every day. Think about what works best for them. If moving around the house or sending their grandchildren is school works best, allow them to make it a part of their routine.
Once they have gotten used to walking daily, you can encourage your parents to increase the duration of their walks! Walk with them so they wouldn’t feel alone.
Track your Activity
A good habit to have is to keep track of your activity and progress. Help your parents set a desired distance or time to reach each week. There are many free applications or smart watches available on the market to track your distance and time!
Having the Right Shoes
Before going on walks, make sure that your parents have the right shoes. Their shoes should be comfortable and provide good support. Visit your local store and get advice on what fits best for your parents. Would trainers with memory foam insoles or shoes without laces fit best?
If your parents are into walking somewhere that’s hilly and muddy, look into getting boots for them! Walking shoes only work best for flat and dry surfaces.
Wear the Right Clothes
Depending on the distance, terrain, and weather, it is important to be dressed appropriately. For example, carrying a waterproof jacket would always be a good idea just in case it rains. If the weather’s chilly, wear warm layers that you can easily take off. You can easily put them back on when you cool down after your walk!
Before and After Care
In addition to walking, add a few stretching and strengthening exercises to your parents’ routine! Stretching helps ease the stiffness of your muscles and strengthens them too. Not only after physical activities but you can stretch before you start your day. Stretching is beneficial for everyday living!
To learn more about stretching and strengthening, research more about different exercises your parents can do for healthy joints. Different exercises cater to the different sections of your body.
Health and Fitness at Morada Lake Arlington
At our retirement community, we believe that our residents deserve the best health and fitness programs that will cater to their needs. We create opportunities for residents to promote overall health and fitness in every key dimension including physical, medical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual.
With the professionals we have in our community, our residents do not have to worry about doing as much to sustain their overall health and quality of life. If you or your loved one is interested in knowing more about our senior living accommodations, contact us today!
